Widespread around most of the Falklands,
the Long-tailed Meadowlark has a preference for settlements and
coastal areas.

Only the males have the bright red breast,
but the distinctive shape allows even the females to be readily
identified from similar species.

Nests woven from grass, often with an entrance
tunnel, are hidden amongst ground vegetation or gorse. Two to four
eggs are laid from August to December, hatching in about two weeks.

Chicks fledge after another two weeks, allowing
two or sometimes three broods in a season.

A wide variety of invertebrates are taken
as food, including worms, grubs, beetles, caterpillars and marine
invertebrates taken from the shore.

The female does all the nest-building, incubating
and feeding of young, who remain dependent for some time after fledging.

Long-tailed
Meadowlark Sturnella loyca
falklandica

Adopt and name your penguin,
and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We
will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives,
in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).